Telkomsel Invites Students to Address Indonesia's AI Talent Needs through IndonesiaNEXT
Telkomsel is once again organising IndonesiaNEXT as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, entering its 10th year as an initiative to develop Indonesia’s digital talent capabilities. Under the theme “AI Driven Digital Talents: Enhancing Skills for Future Challenges”, IndonesiaNEXT aims to prepare young talents to face the digital industry transformation based on Artificial Intelligence.
The programme is designed to bridge the world of education and industry needs through applied, relevant, and future-oriented learning.
Over its decade-long journey, IndonesiaNEXT offers a unique role-based approach, nurturing participants as Hustlers (Project Managers), Hipsters (UI/UX Designers), and Hackers (Programmers). Competency development is conducted in a structured manner through a series of Tech-Based Certifications, Placement Tests, Ideation Bootcamps, and the Digitalent Academy.
Telkomsel is strengthening the IndonesiaNEXT curriculum with four enhancements designed to accelerate participants’ career readiness.
First is the Hackathon, a challenge for participants to creatively solve digital problems using technology. Then there is Role-Oriented Tutoring, consisting of hands-on practice sessions that allow participants to experience the real rhythm of work according to their chosen career roles.
Next is Career Coaching, which provides career preparation guidance, giving participants access to industry networks and job opportunities. Finally, there is 1-on-1 Mentoring, intensive one-on-one sessions with experienced industry experts to accelerate skill mastery.
The 10th edition of IndonesiaNEXT is taking place amid the growing industry need for AI-based digital talent. Industry reports indicate that Indonesia still requires around 400,000 new digital talents each year, while approximately 70% of companies have begun adopting AI in their business operations.
On the other hand, evaluations of higher education show that the integration of AI technology into study programmes remains limited, creating a gap between industry needs and the readiness of young talents.
VP of Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility at Telkomsel, Abdullah Fahmi, stated that Telkomsel is committed to continuing its contributions to the development of Indonesia’s digital talent through IndonesiaNEXT.
“We designed this programme to equip the younger generation with applied AI-based learning, direct exposure to industry perspectives, and consistent and directed mentoring processes, so they can develop their best potential and make real contributions to the national digital ecosystem,” he said, quoted on Friday (17/4/2026).
The 10th edition of IndonesiaNEXT is designed to select and nurture the best individuals in their specific roles through advanced certifications, optimal achievements in selection and challenge processes, sustainable competency development, and a high level of commitment to the digital industry. At the final stage, the top participants will be named The Best Hustler, The Best Hipster, The Best Hacker, and The Team with The Most Innovative Solution.
The programme’s implementation begins with the IndonesiaNEXT Goes to Campus roadshow at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) on 14 April 2026, followed by Universitas Gadjah Mada (30 April 2026), BINUS University Bekasi (7 May 2026), and Universitas Brawijaya (12 May 2026). This roadshow is part of efforts to bring digital talent development directly to campus environments.
Since its inception, IndonesiaNEXT has reached more than 96,000 students from 705 universities across 38 provinces, and equipped over 9,000 participants with industry-standard certifications. These achievements represent Telkomsel’s contributions to strengthening the national digital ecosystem and supporting the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
Registration for the 10th edition of IndonesiaNEXT is open until 31 May 2026 and can be done online via tsel.id/10indonesiaNEXT.
“Entering the decade of IndonesiaNEXT’s journey, we want to ensure this programme remains relevant and impactful by delivering a comprehensive learning experience, from strengthening AI competencies to career readiness, so that Indonesia’s young talents can meet the evolving challenges of the digital industry,” Fahmi concluded.